Used Cars Information

The Art of the Smart Car

admin — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 05:42:53 +0000

Fortunately for the economically minded, the Smart car was introduced as a way of owning a vehicle that didn’t have such an adverse effect on the environment (by way of producing harmful gases). Part of the Daimler group, Smart is still producing the micro cars that made them so famous upon their initial release. Compact, cute and above all eco-friendly, new and used Smart cars have become universally recognised as the trend setter and leader of lower Co2 automobiles. Another area where new and used Smart cars excel is in the safety department, which has seen 4 out of 5 stars achieved in the Euro NCAP Adult Occupant Protection test. So for such a small sized unit, much of the safety options are taken care of and this can very much be attributed to the cars’ structure, which is known as a Tridion Safety Cell. The idea behind this setup is to activate the crumple zones of approaching cars (in the event of a collision). Another benefit of owning a new or used Smart car is that they are relatively cheap in terms of purchase price, maintenance costs, fuel and road tax etc. Therefore, they really do make for an ideal purchase for first time drivers looking to get on the driving ladder. So the summary is that Smart Cars provide so much on and off the road that they are hard to ignore. Perhaps the only downside is that all models and trims look near on identical (Roadster aside) and so maybe Daimler need to start creating some new designs to move on with the times?

New All New Porsche Panamera

admin — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 05:37:10 +0000

For so long Porsche has been associated with a small, but unique number of vehicles such as the 911, Carrera, Cayman and the more recent Cayenne. So when the company decided that they were going to introduce a new model to the range, the Panamera, the world waited with much anticipation. Now given that Porsche’s last release, the Cayenne, was part of a rather risky strategy (a 4x4 Porsche SUV) that went on to become hugely successful, this time around Porsche enthusiasts offered a little bit more trust with the Panamera. At first, the sheer shape and size of the vehicle was something that required a bit of getting used to, but after the initial stages, it seems that the Panamera has become part of a cult following. At first it looks like a combination of a stretched out used Porsche 911 and Cayman, which ultimately provides a unique shape and distance between the front and rear of the vehicle. In terms of the cars’ specifications, the Panamera provides excellent performance statistics such as a 0 to 62 mph time of 6.8 seconds. As for the top speed this is pegged at 162 mph, which for the standard version makes for good reading. Of course the higher the trim level the better this rate becomes. Prices for the Porsche Panamera currently start from £61,461, which is in the higher end cost bracket. Naturally, the performance and quality of new and used Porsche units mean that buyers will have to pay bigger premiums than those assigned to more regular cars; but then again, when has Porsche ever been just another regular manufacturer?!

The 4006 from Peugeot – A Truly Dynamic SUV

admin — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 05:34:52 +0000

4x4 technology and Peugeot is perhaps not the most common combination of words that you will often hear associated with each other. However, with Peugeot being a flexible and willing manufacturer, they are now starting to introduce more 4x4 units to their already wide range of road and commercial vehicles. Take the 4007 for example; this is an SUV that provides a sporty look to a unit that is quite robust and sturdy at the same time. With aerodynamics at an improved level (thanks to the inverted lines on the front bonnet), the 4007 is a models that marks many areas of improvement in comparison to the used Peugeot vehicles of the past. SUV’s can sometimes appear a little rigid and stiff, but the 4007 is a true exception; mainly down to its exterior design and overall look and feel. Nice looking front fog lights, large alloy wheels and side foot panels are just some of the elements that provide the charisma and attitude of the Peugeot 4007 and there are many more features that also assist in these areas. Inside the vehicle there are a number of features included such as a touch screen navigation system and a beautiful leather trim being among some of the main options on offer. As for performance well this is an SUV that certainly delivers. As noted above it is a 4x4 and it also comes with a dual clutch system that is a combination of a manual gearbox and a robotised gearbox (known as DCS). Alongside this DCS the 4007 also comes with the hill assist function, which is an ideal feature for those tackling the off roads and / or rough terrain.

The Smart Fortwo – Cute and Compact

admin — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 07:31:22 +0000

Now this is a vehicle that just continues to increase in popularity as more and more people switch to buying cars that are part of helping the economy. And, as we know, when Mercedes-Benz first introduced the used Smart cars range, it took the market by storm due to its fuel efficiency design and methods. Now in today’s market, the new and used Smart Fortwo brand is still going strong and serves its purpose extremely well. For example, it is the ideal auto for getting from points A to B and is perfect for inner city trips and general errands, which prove to be much less of an attractive option for the more conventional vehicle. In fact it is these little things that make the Fortwo stand out and one of its main advantages is finding a parking space in an overcrowded car park! In fact, due to the sheer size of the vehicle, it is quite possible for two Smart cars to be parked side by side in 1 regular parking space! Therefore, I am sure everyone will agree that this really is a very helpful advantage. But being kind to the economy and being able to locate a parking space is not the only benefits of having a new or used Smart car; in fact there are many others. Take for example the comfort that the interior provides, which really is top class, as well as the enhanced steering and handling capabilities that really do give the driver the sense that they are in control.

The SEAT Leon – Advancing the Brand

admin — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 07:25:22 +0000

When the style SEAT Leon was first introduced to the market, its futuristic design and overall visuals was somewhat of a welcomed surprise. It appeared as though this was the future being offered during the present as it was just such an advanced type of vehicle. Looking in from the outside it still looks like a kind of futuristic unit that is wise beyond its years. And from the side, there are also similarities to this in that the Leon provides drivers with some of the most advanced technological features ever to be seen in an auto. SEAT say that the Leon actually calculates the type of driving experience for the driver depending upon how the vehicle is being driven; now that really is some advanced stuff. Of course, being a SEAT it also comes with that Spanish flair that is now universally recognised in all SEAT productions, and it also has the emotion and attachment that only this manufacturer could provide. But it is the advancements in technology that have made the new and used SEAT Leon the vehicle that it is and is also why it strenuously stands out from the competition. Another benefit to owning the Leon is that levels of Co2 that is produces, which is kept to an absolute minimum. Therefore, drivers can concentrate on the actual drive, which is exactly what they should be doing – and not worrying about the environment. In summary of performance, the new and used SEAT Leon is a car that very much offers a compromise between performance and fuel efficiency.

The All New Jeep Cherokee – A True Winner

admin — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:56:23 +0000

The Cherokee is another addition to the growing list of Jeep cars to hit the world of off road. One of the leading 4x4 manufacturers, Jeep is universally recognised for producing powerful and robust auto’s that are built to last and deliver outstanding capabilities for off road terrain. Available in the 2.8 litre Limited Diesel Manual and the 2.8 litre Limited Diesel Automatic, the used Jeep Cherokee has become quite the talking point for many people involved in the industry. With a compression ratio of 17.5:1, bore stroke of 94.0 x 100.0, 174 BHP and a six speed manual gearbox, this is one Jeep that delivers performance in abundance. Other technical spec includes 0 to 60 mph in 11.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 112 miles per hour. Keeping in mind that used Jeep vehicles are not meant for fast driving, the Cherokee offers a fair rate of performance in such areas. Co2 emissions are around 222, which mean that this particular Jeep is not totally eco-friendly, but it does manage to offer over 40 miles per gallon when using the extra urban cycle (26.4 when using the urban cycle). Suspension is offered by way of independent front suspension of the short / long arm design (SLA). The rear suspension is offered by way of a solid axle link coil design (5 links) that includes shock absorbers. Appealing to the eye, the Jeep Cherokee is a worthy contender for the 2010 4x4 of the year award that it could then add to the growing list of awards previously achieved. The standard ‘Stone White Clearcoat’ colour is strikingly impressive and sets a new colour style for the 4x4 sector. So often, vehicle like this are of a darker shade, which makes the default Jeep Cherokee colour all the more enlightening.

A Jag with a Difference – The New Jaguar XJ

admin — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:55:20 +0000

It seems that Jaguar have been going through a few changes over the last few years. After the introduction of the now infamous XF model, which practically transformed the brand, they are at it again with the launch of the fantastic XJ. Like with all new and used Jaguar cars, the theme of luxury is very much on the agenda with the new XJ and this will no doubt leave Jag enthusiasts very impressed. Jaguar says that they have created a car that is “beautiful, exhilarating and sustainable” and looking in from afar, one would have to wholeheartedly agree with this. What the new XJ also offers is a host of new technological advancements that will set the car apart from the rest of the competition. With technology evolving each day at such a rapid rate, it will be interesting to see how the market reacts to this new style of Jaguar. Setting new benchmarks is something that all car manufacturers strive to do and it seems that with the XJ, Jaguar may well have broken through certain boundaries and set new levels of excellence. For example, some of the standard spec includes features that would only be offered as additional options in most other cars. These include Xenon headlights, keyless start, memory function leather seats, climate control (dual zone) and mood lighting (a personal favourite!). So as you can see, the XJ, like many used Jaguar models before it, offers some of the best standard features available and this is credit to Jaguar as they seem to always go that extra yard when kitting out their vehicles. What the XJ also offers potential buyers is the opportunity to customise both the exterior (to a certain degree) and the interior; both of which can be transformed to make your XJ different to the rest of the bunch.

The 458 V8 Italia from Ferrari – Genius Engineering

admin — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:53:51 +0000

Put simply, the Ferrari 458 Italia is a true gem of the automotive world. Its sleek looks and overall appearance do not necessarily make it stand out (as all Ferrari cars are of the highest design quality), but it does give it that little something extra, which is hard to describe in words. When it was launched at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, it made an immediate impression on those fortunate enough to be there at the time. With its stunning V8 engine, the 458 Italia represented the complete vehicle that was built to standards above and beyond the previous used Ferrari models from the past. Being a high performance sports car producer, Ferrari is often left with the near-on impossible task of improving their previous designs. However, in most cases, they manage to succeed, which is what sets them apart from all of the other car manufacturers. With the 458 Italia, this is a sports car that definitely continues the tradition of Ferrari as it is a vehicle, which is both glorious in design and excellent in performance. Ferrari themselves say that with each car that they make, it creates an unbreakable bond with their drivers and a relationship that will last for many years. The 458 Italia has garnered quite a lot of attention from the world’s press and quite rightly so; for they recognised just how special this vehicle really is. In fact, the biggest compliment came from the famous car critic show, Top Gear, which described this Ferrari as being the “supercar of the year”. I can just picture Jeremy Clarkson right now on the test track putting the 458 Italia through its paces. PS – why is it that he always seems to get the pick of the best car? Without doubt he has the best job one could ever wish for!